Issue And Debates - Gender/culture Bias Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is universality in psychology?
The idea that certain behaviours apply to all humans, regardless of gender or culture. But this is often wrongly assumed without proper evidence.
What does WEIRD stand for in psychology?
Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic – describes most psychology research samples, which may not represent the whole population.
What is sampling bias?
When research mainly uses Western psychology students (opportunity samples), making results hard to generalise globally.
What happens when other cultures don’t match the ‘universal’ norm?
They may be wrongly labelled as abnormal, showing the danger of assuming universality.
What is bias in psychology?
When personal beliefs or backgrounds influence research. This leads to misinterpretation of behaviour due to stereotypes or assumptions.
What is gender bias?
It happens when research assumes male and female behaviour is the same or exaggerates differences, often based on stereotypes.
What is cultural bias?
Interpreting behaviour through the lens of your own culture. Often happens from an ethnocentric view – judging other cultures by your own norms.
What is androcentrism?
Male-centred research that sees male behaviour as the norm. This leads to female behaviour being misunderstood or seen as deviant.
What is alpha bias?
Exaggerating gender differences. E.g., evolutionary theories that promote male promiscuity but shame women for the same behaviour.
What is beta bias?
Ignoring or minimising gender differences. E.g., assuming males and females respond the same in research, which may not be true.
Example of androcentrism: Fight or flight theory
Based on male behaviour. Taylor found women may use ‘tend and befriend’ instead, showing gender-specific responses.
Gender bias in social influence studies?
Milgram and Asch only used male participants, ignoring how females might respond differently. Assumed male results were generalisable.
What is ethnocentrism in psychology?
Believing your culture is superior and using it as a standard. This affects how other cultures are interpreted and judged.
Example of cultural bias: WEIRD participants
Henrich found 96% of psych research participants were from Western cultures, making it hard to apply findings to non-Western groups.
How can cultural bias affect diagnosis?
Western-based tests used in other cultures can misinterpret behaviour, leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatments.
Cultural bias in schizophrenia diagnosis
West Indians in the UK are 9x more likely to be diagnosed than white Brits. Fernando says this is due to cultural misunderstanding (e.g., hearing angels seen as normal in the West Indies but a symptom in the UK).
Ainsworth’s Strange Situation and cultural bias
Developed in America. It assumes Western attachment styles are ideal. Labels non-Western infants as ‘insecure’ when they might just follow different norms.
What is an imposed etic?
When researchers apply their own culture’s standards to all other cultures, assuming it’s universal. E.g., Ainsworth’s Strange Situation.
What is cultural relativism?
Understanding behaviour within the context of its own culture. Recognises cultural differences without judging them as right or wrong.
How to deal with gender and culture bias in psychology?
• Avoid assuming universality.
• Encourage more diverse researchers and samples.
• Use indigenous psychology (research by people within that culture).
• Use cross-cultural comparisons (e.g., Van Ijzendoorn’s meta-analysis).
• Take a reflexive approach (reflect on own values and how they affect research).
• Clearly report cultural/gender context to avoid misinterpretation.
